STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2012-05
MANUAL: Alaska Food Stamp Program
DATE: December 1, 2012
This year Social Security announced a 1.7% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increase effective January 1, 2013. This manual change updates program policy in conjunction with the COLA increase, which affect the dollar fee limits charged for services performed as a representative payee. These fees are related to recipients of SSI and are subject to increase by the cost-of-living adjustment.
Other changes are either technical in nature or clarifications that are the results of policy questions or suggestions from the field.
Highlights of these and other policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions, please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at (907)465-3328 or email dpapolicy@alaska.gov.
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
MS 602-1 D Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status
Adds subsections 8 and 9 to clarify policy involving citizenship for children born in another country to US citizens and for children who are being adopted as mandated by the "Child Citizenship Act of 2000."
MS 602-3 B(2) Unearned Income - SSI/SSA/VA Income
Updates COLA budget for SSI/SSA/VA income.
MS 604-4 C Notice Requirements During the Certification Period
Adds a number 7 to include adverse action regarding incarcerated household members.
MS 605-1 D Institutions
Updates the contact information for Behavioral Health.
MS 605-2 D Income from Self-Employment
Adds a note containing semi-annual reporting and anticipated income for self-employment households.
MS 605-7 G PFD at Recertification
Adds an example containing suspension versus denial in month before receipt of PFD at recertification.
MS 605-7 K Incorrect Payments
Updates the claim process for PFD Hold Harmless and Food Stamps.
MS 606-3 Replacing Food Stamp Benefits